cohen will replace john kerry until a special election in june. kerry has been confirmed as secretary of state. senators heard from both sides today on the gun issue. besides the usual suspects there was a surprise witness today with a special point of view. chief congressional correspondent mike emanuel is on capitol hill tonight. >> six weeks after the newtown connecticut school shooting, congress began to examine issue of gun violence. high provile victim of 2011 attack in tucson, arizona, made this appeal. >> it will be hard. but the time is now. you must act. be bold. be courageous. americans are counting on you. >> judiciary chairman patrick laey from lurel vermont promised the second amendment would continue to be protected but auvred this idea. >> what responsible gun owner objects to improving the background check system? when i bought firearm in vermont i go through the background check. i would expect everybody else to. >> the nra says the precautions won't work in the real world. >> when it comes to background checks, let's be honest.